Mobi Oparaku: Ex Nigeria Defender Believes NFF Should Have Named Amunike Coach Ahead of Finidi

• Finidi George was recently appointed manager of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation
• The 53-year-old pipped Emmanuel Amunike, who was touted as the favourite for the managerial role
• A former Nigeria defender has aired his thoughts on the appointment of Finidi as Super Eagles coach

The ongoing discourse surrounding the coaching of the Super Eagles shows no signs of abating, with fans and stakeholders continuing to express their views on the appointment of Finidi George.

The 53-year-old, who was appointed manager by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on April 29, continues to divide opinion among many regarding his prowess and ability to lead the team.

The NFF's decision to name Finidi as Nigeria's national coach ahead of Emmanuel Amunike, who was widely speculated as the favourite for the role, came as a surprise to many.

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In the aftermath of the appointment, former Super Eagles defender, Mobi Oparaku, has taken to the media to voice his thoughts, subtly advocating for Amunike's selection over Finidi.

Oparaku speaks on Super Eagles coaching role

In a recent interview, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medalist emphasised his belief that appointing Amunike would have been a better choice for the Nigerian team.

"I didn't think the NFF would ignore Amunike for local coaches," Oparaku told the New Telegraph. "I think he would've been a great pick. If it were up to me, I would've picked him."

However, the retired full-back expressed his support for the new manager, Finidi, and wondered if the two could have worked together:

"I think Amunike and Finidi would have been a great team. I would have been really happy if they were chosen. It could have been the best thing for Nigerian football in the last ten years or so. But we'll still support Finidi and the Nigerian team."

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The NFF have since hinted that Finidi's appointment over the numerous candidates vying for the coaching role aligned with the ongoing call for continuity within the Nigerian team coaching setup.

Finidi was part of the backroom team that guided Nigeria to second place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), serving as an assistant to Jose Peseiro for 20 months.

He was then appointed interim coach for the March international friendlies.

Super Eagles suffer injury setback

Sports Brief also previously that the Nigerian team have been dealt a setback ahead of their crunch World Cup qualifier fixtures in June.

Ahead of must-win games against South Africa and the Republic of Benin, it is believed that full-back, Bright Osayi-Samuel, injured his ankle.